Seat assembly

ABSTRACT

A seat assembly may include a seat, a seat actuator, a sensor assembly, and an electrical control unit (ECU). The seat actuator may be configured to adjust the seat. The sensor assembly may be connected to the seat and may be configured to detect a pressure applied to the seat. The ECU may be operatively connected to the seat actuator and the sensor assembly. The ECU may be configured to reduce soft tissue stress in soft tissue of a user via adjusting the seat with the seat actuator.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to seat assemblies, includingseat assemblies that may improve user comfort, such as via reducingstress in soft tissue.

BACKGROUND

This background description is set forth below for the purpose ofproviding context only. Therefore, any aspect of this backgrounddescription, to the extent that it does not otherwise qualify as priorart, is neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art againstthe instant disclosure.

Some seat assemblies may not be comfortable, may not provide sufficientfunctionality, may not be configured to monitor and/or reduce stress inthe soft tissue of a user, and/or may not be configured to reducelateral bulging in soft tissue of a user to increase user comfort. Forexample and without limitation, some seat assemblies may not beconfigured to apply force and/or pressure to portions of a user toimprove blood flow to areas of soft tissue of a user.

There is a desire for solutions/options that minimize or eliminate oneor more challenges or shortcomings of seat assemblies. The foregoingdiscussion is intended only to illustrate examples of the present fieldand is not a disavowal of scope.

SUMMARY

In embodiments, a seat assembly may include a seat, a seat actuator, asensor assembly, and/or an electrical control unit (ECU). The seatactuator may be configured to adjust the seat. The sensor assembly maybe connected to the seat and may be configured to detect a pressureapplied to the seat. The ECU may be operatively connected to the seatactuator and the sensor assembly. The ECU may be configured to reducesoft tissue stress in soft tissue of a user via adjusting the seat withthe seat actuator.

In embodiments, a method of operating a seat assembly that may include aseat, a seat actuator connected to the seat, a sensor assembly connectedto the seat, and/or an electrical control unit (ECU) operativelyconnected to the seat actuator and the sensor assembly is described. Themethod may include detecting, via the sensor assembly, a pressureapplied to the seat by a user, comparing the detected pressure to aspecified pressure or pressure threshold via the ECU, and, if thedetected pressure exceeds the specified pressure or pressure threshold,reducing soft tissue stress in soft tissue of a user via adjusting theseat with the seat actuator.

The foregoing and other potential aspects, features, details, utilities,and/or advantages of examples/embodiments of the present disclosure willbe apparent from reading the following description, and from reviewingthe accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the claims are not limited to a specific illustration, anappreciation of various aspects may be gained through a discussion ofvarious examples. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certainfeatures may be exaggerated or hidden to better illustrate and explainan innovative aspect of an example. Further, the exemplary illustrationsdescribed herein are not exhaustive or otherwise limiting, and are notrestricted to the precise form and configuration shown in the drawingsor disclosed in the following detailed description. Exemplaryillustrations are described in detail by referring to the drawings asfollows:

FIG. 1 is a side view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seatassembly according to teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seatassembly according to teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a top down view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seatbase according to teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a front view generally illustrating an embodiment of a seatback according to teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A is a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of aphysiological composition/structure of a user in the context ofteachings of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 5B, 5C, 5D, and 5E generally illustrate soft tissue of a usersubjected to various forces and/or pressures according to teachings ofthe present disclosure.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C generally illustrate pressure distribution mapsbased on a user's weight distribution on a seat assembly according toteachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a representation of a pressure distribution map from a seatbase obtained via embodiments of seat assemblies according to teachingsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a representation of a pressure distribution map from a seatback obtained via embodiments of seat assemblies according to teachingsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a representation including a pressure distribution stackcomprising several pressure distribution maps obtained via an embodimentof a seat assembly according to teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart generally illustrating an embodiment of a methodof operating a seat assembly according to teachings of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the presentdisclosure, examples of which are described herein and illustrated inthe accompanying drawings. While the present disclosure will bedescribed in conjunction with embodiments and/or examples, they do notlimit the present disclosure to these embodiments and/or examples. Onthe contrary, the present disclosure covers alternatives, modifications,and equivalents.

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, avehicle 10 may include a mounting surface 12, a track/rail assembly 14,an electronic control unit (ECU) 16, and/or a seat assembly 20. A seatassembly 20 may include at least one seat 22. The seat 22 may beselectively connected (e.g., electrically and/or mechanically) to atrack assembly 14. The ECU 16 may be electrically connected to the seat22, such as via the track assembly 14. The ECU 16 may be configured toat least partially control operation of the seat 22. The seat 22 may beconnected with the track assembly 14 via a support member 24. Thesupport member 24 may be selectively connected with the track assembly14. For example and without limitation, the support member 24 may beconfigured to be inserted vertically (e.g., in the Z-direction) and/orhorizontally (e.g., in the X-direction and/or Y-direction) into thetrack assembly 14, and may be configured to be removed vertically and/orhorizontally from the track assembly 14, such as in numerous positionsalong the track assembly 14. The support member 24 may be configured tomove along the track assembly 14 (e.g., in the X-direction and/orY-direction).

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, thetrack assembly 14 may be disposed on a mounting surface 12 (e.g., avehicle floor). The track assembly 14 may be configured to receive theseat 22. The track assembly 14 may include one or more of a variety ofshapes, sizes, and/or configurations. For example and withoutlimitation, the track assembly 14 may extend in an X-direction and/or aY-direction such that the seat 22 may move in an X-direction and/or aY-direction along the track assembly 14. In some embodiments, a seat 22and/or a support member 24 may be connected to a mounting surface 12independently of a track assembly 14 (e.g., a seat assembly 20 may notinclude a track assembly 14).

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a seat22 may include a seat base 26, a seat back 28, a headrest 30, one ormore seat cushions 32, a seat cover 34 (e.g., a seat trim), a legsupport 36, and/or a seat actuator 38. Either or both of the seat base26 and the seat back 28 may be adjustably connected to one anotherand/or configured for selective adjustment/movement relative to oneanother and/or the mounting surface 12, such as via the seat actuator 38(e.g., one or more electric motors). A headrest 30 may be connected tothe seat back 28 opposite the seat base 26 (e.g., at the top of the seatback 28) and may be adjustable via the seat actuator 38. A leg support36 may be connected to the seat base 26 opposite the seat back 28 (e.g.,at the front of the seat base 26). The leg support 36 may be configuredfor selective adjustment (e.g., pivoting, sliding, etc.) relative to theseat base 26, the seat back 28, and/or the mounting surface 12. A seatbase 26, a seat back 28, and/or a headrest 30 may include one or morecushions 32 configured to cushion and/or support a user. A seat cover 34may be disposed on and/or wrapped around the seat 22 to at leastpartially surround and conceal various components of the seat 22 (e.g.,the seat cushions 32, leg support 36, bolsters, etc.). A seat cover 34may be configured as a single piece/component and/or multiplecomponents. In examples, a seat cover 34 may be configured as a seattrim including several pieces/components, which may each be disposed onand/or at least partially surround a corresponding portion of the seat22.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIG. 2, the seat base26 and/or seat back 28 may include one or more bolsters 40A, 40B, 42A,42B. A bolster 40A, 40B, 42A, 42B may, for example and withoutlimitation, include a generally triangular and/or ramped cross-sectionalshape. A bolster may be configured to effectively “push” a portion of anoccupant user away from an associated respective surface. The seat base26 may include a first base bolster 40A and/or a second base bolster40B, and/or the seat back 28 may include a first back bolster 42A and/ora second back bolster 42B. A bolster 40A, 40B, 42A, 42B may beconfigured to contact one or more sides of a user 100, such as to atleast partially surround a physical portion of a user 100. A bolster40A, 40B, 42A, 42B may be adjustable by a seat actuator 38. For exampleand without limitation, a bolster 40A, 40B, 42A, 42B may be adjustableby a bladder assembly 50, 56 and/or any other type mechanical adjustmentassembly of the seat actuator 38.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIG. 2, a first basebolster 40A may extend along a first side 26A of the seat base 26 (e.g.,in an X-direction) and/or the second base bolster 40B may extend along asecond side 26B of the seat base 26 (e.g., in an X-direction). The firstside 26A of the seat base 26 may be opposite the second side 26B. Thefirst base bolster 40A and/or the second base bolster 40B may, forexample, extend upward (e.g., in a Z-direction) to a greater extent thanother portions of the seat base 26 (e.g., a main portion 26C), which mayprovide the seat base 26 with a generally U-shaped configuration. Thefirst base bolster 40A and/or the second base bolster 40B may, at leastin some circumstances, contact and/or abut the legs (e.g., thighs), thehips, and/or the posterior of a user 100 (e.g., in the Y-directionand/or Z-direction). The first base bolster 40A and/or the second basebolster 40B may be adjustable relative to the main portion 26C of theseat base 26. For example and without limitation, the first base bolster40A may be pivotable relative to the main portion 26C of the seat base26 (e.g., pivotable about an axis extending generally in an X-direction)to adjust an angle θ₁ defined between the first base bolster 40A and themain portion 26C, and/or the second base bolster 40B may be pivotablerelative to the main portion 26C of the seat base 26 (e.g., pivotableabout an axis extending generally in the X-direction) to adjust an angleθ_(1′) defined between the second base bolster 40B and the main portion26C. Additionally and/or alternatively, the base bolsters 40A, 40B maybe moved and/or slide relative to the main portion 26C of the seat base26, such as to adjust the extent by which the base bolsters 40A, 40Bprotrude from the seat the seat base 26 (e.g., in the Z-direction, inthe Y-direction, etc.). Adjusting the position of the base bolsters 40A,40B may reduce and/or expand a distance between the first base bolster40A and the second base bolster 40B.

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIG. 2, a first backbolster 42A and/or a second back bolster 42B may extend along a side28A, 28B of the seat back 28 (e.g., in a Z-direction when the seat back28 is in an upright configuration). For example and without limitation,the first back bolster 42A may extend from a first side 28A of the seatback 28 (e.g., in a X-direction), and/or the second back bolster 42B mayextend from a second side 28B of the seat back 28 (e.g., in aX-direction), which may provide the seat back 28 with a generallyU-shaped configuration. The first side 28A of the seat back 28 may beopposite the second side 28B of the seat back 28. When a user 100 isoccupying the seat 22, the first back bolster 42A and/or the second backbolster 42B may, for example, contact the shoulders, the torso, and/orthe waist of the user 100 (e.g., in the X-direction and/or Y-direction),at least in some circumstances. The first back bolster 42A and/or thesecond back bolster 42B may be adjustable relative to a main portion 28Cof the seat back 28. For example and without limitation, the first backbolster 42A may be pivotable relative to the main portion 28C of theseat back 28 (e.g., pivotable about an axis extending generally in theZ-direction) to adjust an angle θ₂ defined between the first backbolster 42A and the main portion 28C, and/or the second back bolster 42Bmay be pivotable relative to the main portion 28C of the seat back 28(e.g., pivotable about an axis extending generally in the Z-direction)to adjust an angle θ₂′ defined between the second back bolster 42B andthe main portion 28C. Additionally and/or alternatively, the backbolsters 42A, 42B may be moved and/or slide relative to the main portion28C of the seat back 28, such as to adjust the extent by which the backbolsters 42A, 42B protrude from the seat back 28 (e.g., in theX-direction, in the Y-direction, etc.). Adjusting the position of theback bolsters 42A, 42B may reduce and/or expand a distance between thefirst back bolster 42A and the second back bolster 42B.

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a seatassembly 20 and/or a seat actuator 38 may include a first bladderassembly 50. The first bladder assembly 50 may be connected to and/orintegrated within the seat base 26. The first bladder assembly 50 mayinclude one or more bladders 52. For example and without limitation, thefirst bladder assembly 50 may include a first base-bolster bladder 52A,a second base-bolster bladder 52B, and/or one or more base bladders 52C.The first base-bolster bladder 52A may be associated with and/ordisposed at least partially in the first base bolster 40A. The secondbase-bolster bladder 52B may be associated with and/or disposed at leastpartially in the second base bolster 40B. The base-bolster bladders 52A,52B may, for example, be disposed such that inflation of one or more ofthe base-bolster bladders 52A, 52B applies pressure and/or force (e.g.,via base bolsters 40A, 40B) to or upon a user 100 in an X-direction, aY-direction, and/or a Z-direction. For example and without limitation,inflating the first base-bolster bladder 52A and the second base-bolsterbladder 52B may apply pressure(s) and/or force(s) (e.g., via basebolsters 40A, 40B) to lower portions of a user 100 (e.g., thighs, waist,hips, posterior, etc.), such as in a direction perpendicular to asurface of the base bolster 40A, 40B contacting a user 100. TheY-component of a force applied to a user 100 by the first base bolster40A and the Y-component of a force applied to a user 100 by the secondbase bolster 40B may be oriented in opposing directions (e.g., extend insubstantially opposite Y-directions). The Z-component of a force appliedto a user 100 by the first base bolster 40A and the Z-component of aforce applied to a user 100 by the second base bolster 40B may beoriented in the same direction (e.g., upward in the Z-direction). Thebase bladders 52C may be associated with and/or disposed at leastpartially in the main portion 26C of the seat base 26.

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the seatassembly 20 and/or a seat actuator 38 may include a second bladderassembly 56. The second bladder assembly 56 may be connected to and/orintegrated within the seat back 28. The second bladder assembly 56 mayinclude one or more bladders 58. For example and without limitation, thesecond bladder assembly 56 may include a first back-bolster bladder 58A,a second back-bolster bladder 58B, and/or one or more back bladders 58C.The first back-bolster bladder 58A may be associated with and/ordisposed at least partially in the first back bolster 42A. The secondback-bolster bladder 58B may be associated with and/or disposed at leastpartially in the second back bolster 42B. The back-bolster bladders 58A,58B may, for example, be disposed such that inflation of one or more ofthe back-bolster bladders 58A, 58B applies pressure and/or force (e.g.,via back bolsters 42A, 42B) to or upon a user 100 in an X-direction, aY-direction, and/or a Z-direction. For example and without limitation,inflating the first back-bolster bladder 58A and the second back-bolsterbladder 58B may apply pressure(s) and/or force(s) to upper portions of auser 100 (e.g., torso, abdomen, the shoulders, neck, etc.), such as in adirection perpendicular to a surface of the back bolster 42A, 42Bcontacting a user 100. The Y-component of a force applied to a user 100by the first back bolster 42A and the Y-component of a force applied toa user 100 by the second back bolster 42B may be oriented in opposingdirections (e.g., extend in substantially opposite Y-directions). TheX-component of a force applied to a user 100 by the first back bolster42A and the X-component of a force applied to a user 100 by the secondback bolster 42B may be oriented in the same direction (e.g., forward inthe X-direction). The back bladders 58C may be associated with and/ordisposed at least partially in the main portion 28C of the seat back 28.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, thefirst bladder assembly 50 and/or the second bladder assembly 56 may beconnected, at least indirectly, with the ECU 16 (e.g., via a wiredand/or wireless connection) such that the ECU 16 may be configured tocontrol operation of the bladders 52, 58. The ECU 16 may independentlycontrol the first bladder assembly 50 and/or the second bladder assembly56. For example and without limitation, the ECU 16 may be configured toinflate and/or deflate the first bladder assembly 50 while inflatingand/or deflating the second bladder assembly 56. The ECU 16 may beconnected to and/or configured to control a fluid source 70 to inflateand/or deflate one or more of the bladders 52, 58 of the bladderassemblies 50, 56. The fluid source 70 may, for example and withoutlimitation, include a fluid pump, a fan, a fluid reservoir, and/or oneor more control valves, among other components, that may be configuredto selectively provide fluid (e.g., air) to and/or remove fluid from thebladder assemblies 50, 56. For example and without limitation, the fluidsource 70 may be in fluid communication with the bladder assemblies 50,56 via one or more fluid conduits 70A (e.g., tubes, hoses, ducts, etc.).

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIG. 2, the ECU 16 mayinflate and/or deflate the bladders 52, 58 to increase and/or decreasethe flexibility of and/or the support provided by the main portion 26Cof the seat base 26, the main portion 28C of the seat back 28, and/orthe bolsters 40A, 40B, 42A, 42B. Inflating the base bladders 52C mayincrease the rigidity and/or decrease the flexibility of the mainportion 26C of the seat base 26. Inflating the back bladders 58C mayincrease the rigidity and/or decrease the flexibility of the mainportion 28C of the seat back 28. Inflating the bolster bladders 52A,52B, 58A, 58B may increase the rigidity and/or decrease the flexibilityof the bolsters 40A, 40B, 42A, 42B such that movement of a user 100 isat least partially limited (or at least more limited than prior toinflation). Deflating the bolster bladders 52A, 52B, 58A, 58B mayincrease the flexibility and/or reduce the rigidity of the bolsters 40A,40B, 42A, 42B such that the bolster bladders 52A, 52B, 58A, 58B limitmovement of a user 100 to a lesser degree than when inflated to agreater extent.

With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a seatassembly 20 may include a seat actuator 38. The seat actuator 38 may beconfigured to adjust a seat base 26, a seat back 28, and/or one or morebolsters 40A, 40B, 42A, 42B. In examples, the seat actuator 38 mayinclude a first and/or second bladder assembly 50, 56. The seat actuator38 may be configured to adjust the position of a seat 22, rotate theseat 22, tilt the seat 22, and/or provide one or more adjustments. Theseat actuator 38 may be configured to change (e.g., adjust) an angle θ₃between the seat base 26 and the seat back 28. The seat actuator 38 maybe configured to raise and lower a headrest 30. The seat actuator 38 maybe configured to change an angle between the seat base 26 and themounting surface 12. The seat actuator 38 may be configured to adjust anangle of the leg support 36 relative to the seat base 26 and/or slidethe leg support 36 relative to the seat base 26.

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a seatactuator 38 may be automatically controlled by an ECU 16 and/or may bemanually controlled by a user, such as via a user interface 72. A userinterface 72 may, for example, be disposed on, in, and/or proximate theseat 22 (e.g., the seat base 26). The user interface 72 may, forexample, receive commands via one or more inputs from a user 100 (e.g.,audio input, motion input, physical input, etc.). The ECU 16 may beconfigured to control the seat actuator 38 according to input from auser 100 that may be provided via a user interface 72.

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a seatassembly 20 may include a sensor assembly 74. The sensor assembly 74 maybe connected to the ECU 16 to transmit information to the ECU 16 and/orthe ECU 16 may be configured to analyze the information from the sensorassembly 74.

With embodiments, as generally shown in FIG. 2, a sensor assembly 74 mayinclude one or more sensor arrays 76A, 76B. A sensor array 76A, 76B maybe disposed substantially proximate a surface of the seat 22 such as toincrease the accuracy of sensed information. A sensor array 76A, 76B maybe disposed at least partially in the seat base 26 and/or the seat back28, and/or may be disposed in another location (e.g., in a vehiclecabin). A sensor array 76A, 76B may be disposed between one or more seatcushions 32 and a seat cover 34 (e.g., seat trim). Additionally and/oralternatively, a sensor array 76A, 76B may be disposed and/or integratedwithin one or more seat cushions 32 and/or a seat cover 34. A sensorarray 76A, 76B may be electrically connected (e.g., via wired and/orwireless connection) with the ECU 16. The ECU 16 may be configured toreceive information from a sensor array 76A, 76B.

With embodiments, such as generally shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a sensorarray 76A, 76B may include one or more sensors 78, 78′ (e.g., pressuresensors). The sensors 78, 78′ of a sensor array 76A, 76B may be disposedspaced apart from one another such that each sensor 78, 78′ isassociated with a different region 80, 80′ of a surface of the seat 22.In examples, the sensors 78, 78′ of a sensor array 76A, 76B may bedisposed in a series of columns and rows to form a matrix and/or array,and/or may be disposed in any other manner to provide a desired pattern(e.g., concentric circles, the typical contact pattern when a user 100sits on the seat, etc.) and/or a desired distribution of sensors 78,78′.

With embodiments, as generally shown in FIG. 3, a first sensor array 76Amay be connected to and/or disposed at least partially in the seat base26. A first sensor array 76A may be disposed substantially proximate afirst surface 26D of the seat base 26. The first surface 26D may bedefined/formed by one or portions, areas, surfaces, etc. of a mainportion 26C, a first base bolster 40A, and/or a second base bolster 40Bof the seat base 26. A first sensor array 76A may be configured todetect a localized pressure applied to each region 80 of the firstsurface 26D, such as by a user 100 sitting on the seat base 26. Eachregion 80 of the first surface 26D may be associated with one or moresensors 78 of a first sensor array 76A and/or the sensors 78 of thefirst sensor array 76A may each be disposed in and/or in alignment witha corresponding region 80 of the first surface 26D (e.g., a first sensor78A associated and/or aligned with a first region 80A, a second sensor78B associated and/or aligned with a second region 80B, etc.).

With embodiments, as generally shown in FIG. 4, a second sensor array76B may be connected to and/or disposed at least partially in the seatback 28. A second sensor array 76B may be disposed substantiallyproximate a second surface 28D of the seat back 28 against which a userrests their back when sitting in the seat 22. The second surface 28D maybe defined/formed by one or portions, areas, surfaces, etc. of a mainportion 28C, a first back bolster 42A, and/or a second back bolster 42Bof the seat back 28. A second sensor array 76B may be configured todetect a localized pressure applied to each region 80′ of the secondsurface 28D, such as by a user 100 sitting on the seat 22. Each region80′ of the second surface 28D may be associated with one or more sensors78′ of a second sensor array 76B, and/or the sensors 78′ of the secondsensor array 76B may each be disposed in and/or aligned with acorresponding region 80′ of the second surface 28D (e.g., a first sensor78A′ associated and/or aligned with a first region 80A′, a second sensor78B′ associated and/or aligned with a second region 80B′, etc.).

With embodiments, such as generally shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a sensorassembly 74 may include an occupant sensor assembly 84 configured tocollect information and/or data corresponding to the identity of a user100 and/or characteristics of a user 100 (e.g., gender, height, weight,anthropometric values/measures, etc.). For example and withoutlimitation, an occupant sensor assembly 84 may include an opticalsensor, a lidar sensor, a camera, etc.

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIG. 2, a seat assembly20 may include a fluid sensor 82 (e.g., a fluid pressure sensor). Thefluid sensor 82 may be configured to measure fluid pressures of thebladders 52, 58 of the bladder assemblies 50, 56. The fluid sensor 82may include a first sensor portion 82A, a second sensor portion 82B, athird sensor portion 82C, and/or a fourth sensor portion 82D. The firstsensor portion 82A may be disposed at least partially within and/or beconnected to the first base-bolster bladder 52A, the second sensorportion 82B may be disposed at least partially within and/or beconnected to the second base-bolster bladder 52B, the third sensorportion 82C may be disposed at least partially within and/or beconnected to the first back-bolster bladder 58A, and/or the fourthsensor portion 82D may be disposed at least partially within and/or beconnected to the second back-bolster bladder 58B. The sensor portions82A-82D may be configured to sense/measure pressures within therespective bladders 50A, 50B, 52A, 52B. The fluid sensor 82 may beconnected with the ECU 16 (e.g., via a wired and/or wireless connection)such that the ECU 16 may receive pressure information from the fluidsensor 82.

With embodiments, such as generally shown in FIG. 5A, a user 100 maygenerally have a physiological structure/composition comprising softtissue 102 surrounding/proximate one or more bones 104. Soft tissue 102may include skin 102A, fat 102B, and/or muscle 102C. It may be desirableto limit the stress applied to the soft tissue 102. For example, softtissue may be substantially undistorted at equilibrium, as generallydepicted in FIG. 5B, such as when a user 100 is standing. Generally,soft tissue 102 may be more resistant to compression thandistortion/shear stress and, thus, soft tissue 102 may be more likely tobecome distorted than compressed when stressed (e.g., subjected to aforce). When a user 100 sits on a seat 22, for example, the seat 22 mayapply a resistive force 106 to the soft tissue 102 of a user 100, whichmay subject the soft tissue 102 to concentrated stresses and/orpressure, such as at the point where the force 106 is applied to thesoft tissue 102, and may cause the soft tissue 102 to become deformed(e.g., distort, compress, etc.). For example, as generally depicted inFIG. 5C, the soft tissue 102 may be subjected to a force 106 from theseat 22 and a force 108 from another portion of a user 100 (e.g., bone104) in opposite directions, which may cause areas of the soft tissue102 to experience a substantial amount of stress. In turn, the softtissue 102 disposed between forces 106, 108 may become compressed (e.g.,compressed soft tissue 110) and the adjacent soft tissue (e.g., bulgingsoft tissue 112) may become distorted and bulge away from the area ofthe compressed soft tissue 110 (e.g., in directions 114, 116). In areasof soft tissue 102 experiencing a substantial amount of stress, bloodvessels and/or capillaries in the soft tissue 102 may be constrictedand/or blood flow to and/or within the soft tissue 102 may be restricted(e.g., ischemia). As generally shown in FIG. 5D, modifying and/orredistributing a force (e.g., force 106) applied to the soft tissue 102,such as by manipulating the location and/or size of the area to whichthe force 106 is applied to the soft tissue 102, may modify/redistributethe resulting pressure across a greater volume, mass, area, etc. of softtissue 102 and thereby reduce the amount of stress within certain areasof the soft tissue 102. The resulting reduction in soft tissue stressmay be isolated to certain areas of the soft tissue 102, such as an areanearest to where a force is applied to the soft tissue 102 (e.g., area118), and at least some other areas of the soft tissue 102 may stillexperience a significant amount of stress and/or soft tissue bulging maystill occur. As generally shown in FIG. 5E, applying one or moreopposing forces 120, 122 to the bulging soft tissue 112 (e.g., inopposite directions 114, 116) may restrict and/or eliminate the tissuebulging produced by the forces 106, 108 and/or may produce tissuebulging in direction(s) 124, 126 opposite the forces 106, 108, which mayat least partially resist and/or counteract the forces 106, 108. In thismanner, soft tissue stress may be reduced and/or blood flow to the softtissue 102 may be increased.

With embodiments, an ECU 16 may be configured to receive informationfrom the sensor assembly 74, such as pressure data from the sensorarrays 76A, 76B, user data from the occupant sensor assembly 84, and/orinflation data from the fluid sensor 82. An ECU 16 may be configured todetermine and/or estimate other information and/or characteristics of auser 100, such as body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, and/or theshape and percentage of skin 102A, fat 102B, muscle 102C, bone 104, etc.in one or more regions 80, 80′, based on the information collected bythe occupant sensor assembly 84, the sensor arrays 76A, 76B, and/or thefluid sensor 82. An ECU 16 may be configured to generate a pressuredistribution map 86 that represents, presents, identifies,characterizes, etc. the localized pressure in each region 80, 80′ of asurface (e.g., the first surface 26D, the second surface 28D, etc.) of aseat 22 at a certain point in time. A pressure distribution map 86 maytake any form to convey the desired information and may or may not beconveyed, presented, and/or displayed to a user 100. For example, apressure distribution map 86 may be a series of numbers, anarray/matrix, a table, an image, etc. stored within the ECU 16 or amemory connected thereto. An ECU 16 may generate a pressure distributionmap 86 and/or related information based on the sensor assembly 74, thesensor arrays 76A, 76B, the occupant sensor assembly 84, and/or thefluid sensor 82.

In embodiments, as generally shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, 7, and 8, a pressuredistribution map 86 may include an image in which each region 80, 80′ ofthe surface 26D, 28D is marked, identified, categorized, colored, etc.according to its detected localized pressure. Exemplary pressuredistribution maps 86 of the first surface 26D and the second surface 28Dare presented in FIGS. 6A-6C. FIG. 6A depicts an example of a pressuredistribution map 86 in which a user 100 has a substantially centralizedweight distribution. FIG. 6B depicts an example of a pressuredistribution map 86 in which a user 100 has a rightward skewed/shiftedweight distribution. FIG. 6C depicts an example of a pressuredistribution map 86 in which a user 100 has a leftward skewed/shiftweight distribution.

With embodiments, an ECU 16 may be configured to generate a model forone or more portions of a user 100. The model geometry may beparameterized (e.g., a parametric fixed element analysis model) toaccount for different body shapes and/or types. An ECU 16 may, forexample and without limitation, utilize an Ogden model for the softtissue 102, such as the skin 102A, fat 102B, muscle 102C, and/or othertissue. The model may, for example and without limitation, be based on astrain energy (w) function,

${w = {\Sigma_{n = 1}^{N}\frac{\mu_{n}}{\alpha_{n}}\left( {\lambda_{1}^{\alpha_{n}} + \lambda_{2}^{\alpha_{n}} + \lambda_{3}^{\alpha_{n}} - 3} \right)}},$

with λ_(i) representing extension ratios in the principle straindirections, and μ_(n) and α_(n) representing material parameters. Themodel may, in some circumstances, only consider first order models(i.e., N=1). The strain energy function may, for example, be used todetermine the second-Piola-Kirchoff stress and/or the Green Lagrangestrain in the model. An ECU 16 may, for example, construct the modelbased on information provided by the sensor assembly 74 (e.g., theoccupant sensor assembly 84, the sensor arrays 76A, 76B) and/orinformation entered by a user 100, such as via a user interface 72. Inexamples, an ECU 16 may be configured to determine the surface pressureof the soft tissue 112 associated with some regions or each region 80,80′ based on the region's detected localized pressure. An ECU 16 may beconfigured to determine an amount of stress (e.g., compressive stress,shear stress, von Mises stress, shear strain, etc.) experienced by thesoft tissue 102 of each region 80, 80′ of the surface 26D, 28D, forexample, based on the model and/or the surface pressure of the softtissue 102. Using a hierarchical multiscale mechanics approach, forexample, an ECU 16 may determine a level or amount of capillary closurebased on the von Mises stress and/or the shear strain. Based on themodel and/or the surface pressure of the soft tissue 102, an ECU 16 maybe configured to determine a stress/strain distribution in the softtissue 102 of each region 80, 80′ on a macro-scale level. An ECU 16 maybe configured to determine a stress/strain distribution in the softtissue 102 of each region 80, 80′ at a micro-scale level based on, forexample, large deformation theory, non-linear pseudo-incompressiblemechanical behaviors of muscle fibers and endomysium using neo-Hookeanenergy functions. An ECU 16 may be configured to determine a number ofclosed capillaries within the soft tissue 102 of each region 80, 80′ ofthe surface 26D, 28D, and/or blood flow to the soft tissue 102 of eachregion 80, 80′ of the surface 26D, 28D, for example, based on the model,the macro-scale stress/strain distribution, the micro-scalestress/strain distribution, and/or the surface pressure of the softtissue 102.

With embodiments, an ECU 16 may be configured to obtain/determine apressure threshold for each region 80, 80′. Additionally and/oralternatively, a single pressure threshold applicable to all regions 80,80′ of the surfaces 26D, 28D may be obtained/determined. The pressurethreshold (or specified pressure) may be substantially equal to anamount of pressure at which the soft tissue 102 may begin to experiencea reduction in blood flow. In examples, the pressure threshold may varyfrom region 80, 80′ to region 80, 80′ based on the portion of a user's100 body disposed thereon and/or the composition of the soft tissue 102of the portion of the user's 100 body (e.g., percentage of skin 102A,fat 102B, muscle 102C, bone 104, etc.). For instance, a first seat baseregion, on which a user's 100 thigh is disposed, may have a firstpressure threshold corresponding to the make-up of a user's 100 thigh,and a second seat back region, on which a user's 100 lower back isdisposed, may have a second pressure threshold corresponding to amake-up of a user's 100 lower back. Generally, the pressure thresholdmay, for example and without limitation, be between about 3.5 kPa andabout 50 kPa, inclusively, and/or may be about 11 kPa.

In embodiments, an ECU 16 may be configured to compare the localizedpressure in each region 80, 80′ of a surface 26D, 28D to thecorresponding pressure threshold based on the portion of a user's 100body disposed thereon and/or the soft tissue composition of the portionof a user's 100 body (e.g., percentage of skin 102A, fat 102B, muscle102C, bone 104, etc.). For instance, an ECU 16 may compare a localizedpressure of a first region, on which a user's 100 thigh is disposed, toa first pressure threshold for a thigh, and may compare a localizedpressure of a second region, on which a user's 100 lower back isdisposed, to a second pressure threshold for a lower back.

With embodiments, as generally shown in FIGS. 6C and 9, an ECU 16 may beconfigured to detect peak pressure areas 88 in a pressure distributionmap 86 and/or to outline a detected peak pressure area 88 in a pressuredistribution map 86. Peak pressure areas 88 may be areas in which thelocalized pressure is substantially equal to and/or greater than acorresponding localized pressure threshold. To detect a peak pressurearea 88, an ECU 16 may be configured to compare the localized pressurein each region 80, 80′ of a surface 26D, 28D to a correspondinglocalized pressure threshold.

With embodiments, such as generally shown in FIG. 9, an ECU 16 may beconfigured to assemble a plurality of pressure distribution maps 86 intoan pressure distribution stack 90, to track a detected peak pressurearea 88 over the pressure distribution stack 90, and/or to analyzechanges in a detected peak pressure area 88 over the pressuredistribution stack 90. An ECU 16 may assemble a pressure distributionstack 90 from pressure distribution maps 86 spanning a desired timeframe, such as a 2 second to 10 minute time frame, for example. In thismanner, the ECU 16 may be configured able to track the localizedpressure in each region 80, 80′ of the surface 26D, 28D across a periodof time.

With embodiments, an ECU 16 may be configured to control, activate,actuate, etc. the seat actuator 38, such as in response to detecting apeak pressure area 88, the prevalence of a detected peak pressure area88 over a certain amount of time, and/or a rapid change in detectedpressure (e.g., caused by shifting, fidgeting, and/or repositioning of auser 100, etc.). An ECU 16 may be configured to activate a seat actuator38 to reduce soft tissue stress of the soft tissue 102, such as in oneor more peak pressure areas 88 (e.g., via reducing the compressivestress, shearing stress, and/or deformation experienced by the softtissue 102) and/or configured to increase blood flow to the soft tissue102 to provide a user 100 with optimal/improved comfort. Activating theseat actuator 38 may include adjusting the position of a vehicle seat 22in the X-direction, the Y-direction, and/or the Z-direction (e.g., raiseand lower the seat 22), rotating the seat 22, tilting the seat 22 (e.g.,the seat base 26), increasing/decreasing the angle θ₃ between the seatbase 26 and the seat back 28, raising/lowering a headrest 30, adjusting(e.g., sliding, pivoting, etc.) the leg support 36, actuating the fluidsource 70, inflating and/or deflating one or more bladders 52A, 52B,52C, 58A, 58B, 58C of the bladder assemblies 50, 56, and/or adjusting(e.g., repositioning, sliding, pivoting, etc.) the seat base 26, theseat back 28, and/or one or more of the bolsters 40A, 40B, 42A, 42B. Forexample and without limitation, an ECU 16 may be configured to adjustthe seat base 26 and/or the seat back 28 via inflating and/or deflatingthe base bladders 52C and/or the back bladders 58C (e.g., via the fluidsource 70) to increase and/or decrease the flexibility of and/or thesupport provided by the seat base 26 and/or the seat back 28 to a user100.

In embodiments, an ECU 16 may be configured to adjust one or more of thebase bolsters 40A, 40B to apply pressure/force to, further limitmovement of, and/or provide increased support to lower portions of auser 100 (e.g., thighs, waist, hips, posterior, etc.). Additionallyand/or alternatively, an ECU 16 may be configured to adjust one or moreback bolsters 42A, 42B to apply pressure/force to, further limitmovement of, and/or provide increased support to upper portions of auser 100 (e.g., torso, abdomen, the shoulders, neck, etc.). For exampleand without limitation, an ECU 16 may be configured to inflate and/ordeflate the base-bolster bladders 52A, 52B and/or the back-bolsterbladders 58A, 58B to adjust (e.g., slide, pivot, etc.) a position of,increase/decrease the flexibility of, and/or increase/decrease thesupport provided by the base bolsters 40A, 40B and/or the back bolsters42A, 42B. In this manner, the bolster bladders 52A, 52B, 56A, 56B mayapply a force and/or pressure to the soft tissue 102 of a user 100 toreduce soft tissue stress and/or reduce, restrict, prevent, etc. bulgingof the soft tissue 102.

With embodiments, applying a force to a user 100 with the first basebolster 40A and a force to said user 100 with the second base bolster40B that have Y-components extending in opposite directions (e.g.,toward a user 100) may squeeze the user 100, which may reduce softtissue stress and/or reduce, restrict, prevent, etc. bulging of the softtissue 102 associated with one or more regions 80 (e.g., one or moreregions 80 adjacent the main portion 26C). Applying a force to a user100 with the first base bolster 40A and a force to the user 100 with thesecond base bolster 40B that each have a Z-component extending upward inthe Z-direction (e.g., away from a mounting surface 12) may push saiduser 100 away from a portion of the seat base 26, which may decreasesoft tissue stress and/or soft tissue surface pressure in one or moreregions 80 (e.g., one or more regions 80 adjacent the main portion 26C).For example and without limitation, as generally illustrated in FIG. 7,activating the seat actuator 38 (e.g., to decrease the pressure of oneor more bladders 52 of the first bladder assembly 50, to apply lessforce/pressure to a user 100 via the base bolsters 40A, 40B, etc.) maydecrease soft tissue stress and/or soft tissue surface pressure in afirst area 86A disposed near a spine of a user 100 and/or may increasesoft tissue stress and/or soft tissue surface pressure in a second area86B disposed near the legs of a user 100.

With embodiments, applying a force to a user 100 with the first backbolster 42A and a force to a user 100 with the second back bolster 42Bthat have Y-components extending in opposite directions (e.g., toward auser 100) may squeeze the said user 100, which may reduce soft tissuestress and/or reduce, restrict, prevent, etc. bulging of the soft tissue102 associated with one or more regions 80′ (e.g., one or more regions80′ adjacent the main portion 28C). Applying a force to a user 100 withthe first back bolster 42A and a force to said user 100 with the secondback bolster 42B that each have a X-component extending forward in theX-direction may push said user 100 away from a portion of the seat back28, which may decrease soft tissue stress and/or soft tissue surfacepressure in one or more regions 80′ (e.g., one or more regions 80′adjacent the main portion 28C). As generally shown in FIG. 8, activatingthe seat actuator 38 (e.g., to decrease the pressure of one or morebladders 58 of the second bladder assembly 56, to apply lessforce/pressure to a user 100 via the back bolsters 42A, 42B, etc.) maydecrease soft tissue stress and/or soft tissue surface pressure in athird area 86C disposed near the hips (e.g., the iliac crest) of a user100 and/or may increase soft tissue stress and/or soft tissue surfacepressure in a fourth area 86D disposed near the lower back of a user100.

In embodiments, an ECU 16 may be configured to determine an optimumconfiguration of the seat 22 in which the blood flow reduction and/orsoft tissue stress experienced by a user 100 is minimized. An ECU 16 maydetermine the optimum configuration of the seat 22 using a gradientbased optimization algorithm. To obtain the optimum configuration of theseat 22, an ECU 16 may use the current configuration of the seat 22(e.g., position, reclining angle, bladder inflation levels, etc.) asinitial input parameters in the optimization algorithm. With examples,an ECU 16 may be configured to adjust the seat 22 to the determinedoptimum configuration via the seat actuator 38.

In embodiments, the ECU 16 may be configured to determine if thelocalized pressures of the regions 80, 80′ in one or more of thedetected peak pressure areas 88 have been reduced sufficiently (e.g.,reduced below the pressure threshold). For example, the ECU 16 maymonitor the localized pressures (e.g., via the sensor assembly 74, thesensor arrays, etc.), such as while the seat actuator 38 is active. Ifthe ECU 16 determines that the localized pressures in each of theregions 80, 80′ of the detected peak pressure area 88 have beensufficiently reduced, the ECU 16 may deactivate the seat actuator 38 tomaintain the seat 22 in its current configuration. If the ECU 16determines that the localized pressures in each of the regions 80, 80′of the detected peak pressure area 88 have not been sufficientlyreduced, the ECU 16 may continue operation of the seat actuator 38. TheECU 16 may be configured to maintain the configuration of the seatassembly 20 and/or a level of inflation of the bladders 52, 58 while theseat 22 is occupied and no peak pressure areas 88 are detected. An ECU16 may be configured to collect, store, and/or analyze information abouta user 100 and predict the optimal way to adjust the seat 22 to reducedeformation of and/or increase blood flow to the soft tissue 102 of auser 100 based on the collected information.

In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in FIG. 10, a method 200of operating a seat assembly 20 may include sensing information and/orcharacteristics of a user 100 occupying a seat 22 (e.g., via theoccupant sensor assembly 84) and/or detecting a pressure applied to aseat 22 (e.g., via one or more sensor arrays 76A, 76B) at block 202.Sensing information and/or characteristics of a user 100 may, forexample and without limitation, include identifying a user 100 and/ordetecting the gender, height, weight, anthropometric measures, etc. of auser 100. Sensing information and/or characteristics of a user may,additionally and/or alternatively, include determining and/or estimatingother information and/or characteristics of a user 100 (e.g., body massindex, body fat percentage, and/or the shape and percentage of skin102A, fat 102B, muscle 102C, bone 104, etc. in one or more portions of auser 100) with the ECU 16 based on the information collected by theoccupant sensor assembly 84. Detecting a pressure applied to a seat 22may include detecting a localized pressure applied to each region 80 ofthe first surface 26D by a user 100 via the first sensor array 76Aand/or detecting a localized pressure applied to each region 80′ of thesecond surface 28D by a user 100 via the second sensor array 76B.

With embodiments, the method 200 may include, at block 204, generatingvia the ECU 16 a pressure distribution map 86 depicting the localizedpressure in each region 80 of the first surface 26D at a certain pointin time and/or generating a pressure distribution map 86 depicting thelocalized pressure in each region 80′ of the second surface 28D at acertain point in time. Generating a pressure distribution map 86 mayinclude marking, identifying, categorizing, etc. each region 80, 80′ ofa surface 26D, 28D in the pressure distribution map 86 according to itsdetected localized pressure.

With embodiments, the method 200 may include, at block 206, determininga pressure threshold for one or more regions 80, 80′ (e.g., a localizepressure threshold for each region 80, 80′) of a surface 26D, 28D viathe ECU 16. Determining a pressure threshold may include generating amodel (e.g., a fixed element analysis model) for one or more portions ofa user 100 based on information provided by the sensor assembly 74(e.g., the occupant sensor assembly 84, the sensor arrays 76A, 76B)and/or information entered by a user 100, such as via a user interface72. Determining a pressure threshold may include determining the surfacepressure of the soft tissue 112 associated with each region 80, 80′based on the region's detected localized pressure. Determining apressure threshold may include determining an amount of stress (e.g.,compressive stress, shear stress, von Mises stress, shear strain, etc.)experienced by the soft tissue 102 of a region 80, 80′ of a surface 26D,28D, a macro-scale stress/strain distribution in the soft tissue 102, amicro-scale stress/strain distribution in the soft tissue, a number ofclosed capillaries within the soft tissue 102 of a region 80, 80′ of thesurface 26D, 28D, and/or blood flow reduction within the soft tissue 102of a region 80, 80′ of the surface 26D, 28D based on the generated modeland/or the determined surface pressure of the associated soft tissue102.

With embodiments, the method 200 may include, at block 208, detectingand/or outlining (e.g., with an arbitrary matrix) a peak pressure area88 in a pressure distribution map 86 via the ECU 16. Detecting a peakpressure area 88 in a pressure distribution map 86 may include comparingthe localized pressure in a region 80, 80′ of a surface 26D, 28D to thecorresponding pressure threshold. Detecting a peak pressure area 88 in apressure distribution map 86 may include identifying each region 80, 80′of a surface 26D, 28D in which the localized pressure is substantiallyequal to and/or greater than the corresponding pressure threshold.

With embodiments, at block 210, if the ECU 16 did not detect any peakpressure areas 88 in the pressure distribution map 86, the method 200may return to and repeat the processes of block 202. If the ECU 16 diddetect a peak pressure area 88 in the pressure distribution map 86, themethod 200 proceed to block 212.

With embodiments, the method 200 may include, at block 212, assembling apressure distribution stack 90 including several pressure distributionmaps 86 from one or more certain periods of time, tracking a detectedpeak pressure area 88 over the pressure distribution stack 90, and/oranalyzing changes in the detected peak pressure area 88 over thepressure distribution stack 90 via the ECU 16. Assembling a pressuredistribution stack 90 may include selecting a period of time duringwhich one or more peak pressure areas 88 are frequently and/orconsistently detected.

With embodiments, the method 200 may include, at block 214, activating aseat actuator 38 via an ECU 16 to reduce an amount of stress experiencedby soft tissue 102 in the peak pressure area 88 (e.g., via reducing thecompressive stress and/or shearing stress experienced by the soft tissue102) and/or increase blood flow proximate the soft tissue 102 to providea user 100 with optimal comfort. This may include determining an optimumconfiguration of the seat 22 in which the blood flow reduction and/orsoft tissue stress experienced by a user 100 is minimized/reduced via anECU 16 and/or activating a seat actuator 38 to adjust the seat 22 to thedetermined optimum configuration. Activating a seat actuator 38 mayinclude reducing, restricting, preventing, etc. bulging of the softtissue 102. Activating/actuating a seat actuator 38 may includeadjusting the position of a seat 22 increasing/decreasing the angle θ₃between the seat base 26 and the seat back 28, adjusting the leg support36, actuating the fluid source 70, inflating and/or deflating one ormore bladders 52, 58 of the bladder assemblies 50, 56, and/or adjustingthe seat base 26, the seat back 28, and/or one or more of the bolsters40A, 40B, 42A, 42B. Adjusting the seat base 26 and/or the seat back 28may include increasing and/or decreasing the flexibility of and/or thesupport provided by the seat base 26 and/or the seat back 28, which mayinclude activating/actuating the seat actuator 38 and/or the fluidsource 70 to inflate and/or deflate one or more of the base bladders 52Cand/or the back bladders 58C. Adjusting one or more bolsters 40A, 40B,42A, 42B may include adjusting one or more base bolsters 40A, 40B toapply pressure to, further limit movement of, and/or provide increasedsupport to lower portions of a user 100 (e.g., thighs, waist, hips,posterior, etc.) and/or adjusting one or more back bolsters 42A, 42B toapply pressure to, further limit movement of, and/or provide increasedsupport to upper portions of a user 100 (e.g., torso, abdomen, theshoulders, neck, etc.). Adjusting one or more base bolsters 40A, 40B mayinclude inflating and/or deflating the first base-bolster bladder 52Aand/or the second base-bolster bladder 52B to apply pressure and/orforce (e.g., via the base bolsters 40A, 40B) to lower portions of a user100 to reduce, restrict, prevent, etc. bulging of the soft tissue 102.Adjusting one or more back bolsters 42A, 42B may include inflatingand/or deflating the first back-bolster bladder 58A and the secondback-bolster bladder 58B to apply pressure and/or force to upperportions of a user 100 to reduce, restrict, prevent, etc. bulging of thesoft tissue 102.

With embodiments, the method 200 may include, at block 216, determiningif the localized pressure of the regions 80, 80′ in one or more of thedetected peak pressure areas 88 have been sufficiently reduced (e.g.,reduced below the respective localized pressure threshold) via an ECU16. Determining if the localized pressure of the regions 80, 80′ in oneor more of the detected peak pressure areas 88 have been sufficientlyreduced may include monitoring the soft tissue pressure of a user 100(e.g., by continuously repeating the processes of one or more of blocks202-212) while the seat actuator 38 is active. If the ECU 16 determinesthat the localized pressure of the regions 80, 80′ in one or more of thedetected peak pressure areas 88 have not been sufficiently reduced, theECU 16 may continue operation of the seat actuator 38 by looping back toblock 214. If the localized pressure of the regions 80, 80′ in one orall of the detected peak pressure areas 88 have been sufficientlyreduced, the ECU 16 may deactivate the seat actuator 38 to maintain theconfiguration of the seat assembly 20 and/or the method 200 may returnto and repeat the processes of block 202.

In examples, an ECU (e.g., ECU 16) may include an electronic controllerand/or include an electronic processor, such as a programmablemicroprocessor and/or microcontroller. In embodiments, an ECU mayinclude, for example, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).An ECU may include a central processing unit (CPU), a memory (e.g., anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium), and/or an input/output(I/O) interface. An ECU may be configured to perform various functions,including those described in greater detail herein, with appropriateprogramming instructions and/or code embodied in software, hardware,and/or other medium. In embodiments, an ECU may include a plurality ofcontrollers. In embodiments, an ECU may be connected to a display, suchas a touchscreen display.

Various examples/embodiments are described herein for variousapparatuses, systems, and/or methods. Numerous specific details are setforth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure,function, manufacture, and use of the examples/embodiments as describedin the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Itwill be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that theexamples/embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. Inother instances, well-known operations, components, and elements havenot been described in detail so as not to obscure theexamples/embodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinaryskill in the art will understand that the examples/embodiments describedand illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can beappreciated that the specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit thescope of the embodiments.

Reference throughout the specification to “examples, “in examples,”“with examples,” “various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “inembodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theexample/embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus,appearances of the phrases “examples, “in examples,” “with examples,”“in various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “anembodiment,” or the like, in places throughout the specification are notnecessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, theparticular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined inany suitable manner in one or more examples/embodiments. Thus, theparticular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated ordescribed in connection with one embodiment/example may be combined, inwhole or in part, with the features, structures, functions, and/orcharacteristics of one or more other embodiments/examples withoutlimitation given that such combination is not illogical ornon-functional. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation or material to the teachings of the presentdisclosure without departing from the scope thereof.

It should be understood that references to a single element are notnecessarily so limited and may include one or more of such element. Anydirectional references (e.g., plus, minus, upper, lower, upward,downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below,vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used foridentification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the presentdisclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to theposition, orientation, or use of examples/embodiments.

Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like)are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members betweena connection of elements, relative movement between elements, directconnections, indirect connections, fixed connections, movableconnections, operative connections, indirect contact, and/or directcontact. As such, joinder references do not necessarily imply that twoelements are directly connected/coupled and in fixed relation to eachother. Connections of electrical components, if any, may includemechanical connections, electrical connections, wired connections,and/or wireless connections, among others. The use of “e.g.” in thespecification is to be construed broadly and is used to providenon-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure, and thedisclosure is not limited to such examples. Uses of “and” and “or” areto be construed broadly (e.g., to be treated as “and/or”). For exampleand without limitation, uses of “and” do not necessarily require allelements or features listed, and uses of “or” are inclusive unless sucha construction would be illogical.

While processes, systems, and methods may be described herein inconnection with one or more steps in a particular sequence, it should beunderstood that such methods may be practiced with the steps in adifferent order, with certain steps performed simultaneously, withadditional steps, and/or with certain described steps omitted.

All matter contained in the above description or shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and notlimiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departingfrom the present disclosure.

It should be understood that an electronic control unit (e.g., ECU 16),a system, and/or a processor as described herein may include aconventional processing apparatus known in the art, which may be capableof executing preprogrammed instructions stored in an associated memory,all performing in accordance with the functionality described herein. Tothe extent that the methods described herein are embodied in software,the resulting software can be stored in an associated memory and canalso constitute means for performing such methods. Such a system orprocessor may further be of the type having ROM, RAM, RAM and ROM,and/or a combination of non-volatile and volatile memory so that anysoftware may be stored and yet allow storage and processing ofdynamically produced data and/or signals.

It should be further understood that an article of manufacture inaccordance with this disclosure may include a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium having a computer program encodedthereon for implementing logic and other functionality described herein.The computer program may include code to perform one or more of themethods disclosed herein. Such embodiments may be configured to executevia one or more processors, such as multiple processors that areintegrated into a single system or are distributed over and connectedtogether through a communications network, and the communicationsnetwork may be wired and/or wireless. Code for implementing one or moreof the features described in connection with one or more embodimentsmay, when executed by a processor, cause a plurality of transistors tochange from a first state to a second state. A specific pattern ofchange (e.g., which transistors change state and which transistors donot), may be dictated, at least partially, by the logic and/or code.

What is claimed is:
 1. A seat assembly, comprising: a seat; a seatactuator configured to adjust the seat; a sensor assembly connected tothe seat and configured to detect pressure applied to the seat; and anelectrical control unit (ECU) operatively connected to the seat actuatorand the sensor assembly; wherein the ECU is configured to reduce softtissue stress in soft tissue of a user of the seat via adjusting theseat with the seat actuator.
 2. The seat assembly of claim 1, whereinthe ECU is configured to reduce the soft tissue stress via actuating theseat actuator to adjust at least one of: an inclination angle definedbetween a seat base and a seat back of the seat; a position of at leastone bolster of the seat; and an inflation level of at least one bladderof the seat.
 3. The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein: the seat actuatorincludes a bladder assembly including a plurality of bladders; and thesensor assembly includes a bladder sensor configured to sense aninternal pressure of at least one of the plurality of bladders.
 4. Theseat assembly of claim 1, wherein the seat has a plurality of regions;the sensor assembly includes a pressure sensor array configured todetect a respective localized pressure of the plurality of regions; andthe ECU is configured to compare the respective localized pressure of atleast one of the plurality of regions to a pressure threshold.
 5. Theseat assembly of claim 1, wherein: the seat has a plurality of regions;the sensor assembly is configured to detect a plurality ofcharacteristics of said user; and the ECU is configured to determine anexpected composition of said soft tissue of said user associated withthe plurality of regions of the seat based on the plurality ofcharacteristics of said user.
 6. The seat assembly of claim 5, wherein:the sensor assembly includes a pressure sensor array configured todetect a respective localized pressure of the plurality of regions; theECU is configured to compare the respective localized pressure of theplurality of regions to a respective pressure threshold; and therespective pressure thresholds correspond to the expected compositionsof said soft tissue associated with the respective regions.
 7. The seatassembly of claim 1, wherein: the seat includes a seat base and a seatback; the pressure is distributed across the seat such that at least onesurface of the seat is subjected to a plurality of localized pressures;the sensor assembly includes a first pressure sensor array connected tothe seat base and a second pressure sensor array connected to the seatback; the first pressure sensor array and the second pressure sensorarray are configured to detect the plurality of localized pressures; andthe first pressure sensor array and the second pressure sensor array areintegrated in a seat cover of the seat.
 8. The seat assembly of claim 1,wherein: the seat includes a first bolster and a second bolster; theseat actuator includes a bladder assembly including a plurality ofbladders; the plurality of bladders includes a first bolster bladderassociated with the first bolster and a second bolster bladderassociated with the second bolster; and adjusting the seat with the seatactuator includes operating the seat actuator adjust an inflation levelof at least one of the first bolster bladder and the second bolsterbladder to adjust an amount of lateral force applied to said user by thefirst bolster and/or the second bolster to reduce lateral bulging ofsaid soft tissue.
 9. The seat assembly of claim 1, wherein: the seatincludes a seat base, a seat back connected to the seat base, and aplurality of bolsters; the pressure includes a plurality of firstlocalized pressures of the seat base and a plurality of second localizedpressures of the seat back; the plurality of bolsters includes a firstbase bolster, a second base bolster, a first back bolster, and a secondback bolster; the first base bolster and the second base bolsterconnected to opposite sides of the seat base; the first back bolster andthe second back bolster connected to opposite sides of the seat back;the sensor assembly includes (i) a first pressure sensor array connectedto the seat base and configured to detect the plurality of firstlocalized pressures, and (ii) a second pressure sensor array connectedto the seat back and configured to detect the plurality of secondlocalized pressures; the seat actuator includes a bladder assemblyincluding a plurality of bladders, the plurality of bladders including afirst base-bolster bladder associated with the first base bolster, asecond base-bolster bladder associated with the second base bolster, afirst back-bolster bladder associated with the first back bolster, and asecond back-bolster bladder associated with the second back bolsterbladder; and the ECU is configured to: compare one or more of the firstand second localized pressures to a pressure threshold; and adjust theseat and reduce soft tissue stress via actuating the seat actuator toadjust a position of at least one bolster of the plurality of bolstersto adjust an amount of lateral force applied to said user by theplurality of bolsters to reduce lateral bulging of said soft tissue. 10.A method of operating a seat assembly including a seat, a seat actuatorconnected to the seat, a sensor assembly connected to the seat, and anelectrical control unit (ECU) operatively connected to the seat actuatorand the sensor assembly, the method comprising: detecting a pressureapplied to the seat by a user via the sensor assembly; comparing thedetected pressure to a pressure threshold via the ECU; and if thedetected pressure exceeds the pressure threshold, reducing soft tissuestress in soft tissue of said user via adjusting the seat via the seatactuator.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the pressure thresholdcorresponds to a pressure level at which a reduction of blood flow inthe soft tissue is expected to occur.
 12. The method of claim 10,wherein reducing the soft tissue stress includes reducing lateralbulging of the soft tissue.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein:reducing the lateral bulging of the soft tissue includes adjusting anamount of lateral force applied to said user by a first bolster and asecond bolster; adjusting the seat with the seat actuator includesadjusting a position of at least one of the first bolster and the secondbolster; the first bolster and the second bolster are disposed atopposite sides of the seat; the seat actuator includes a bladderassembly; the bladder assembly includes a first bolster bladderassociated with the first bolster and a second bolster bladderassociated with the second bolster; and adjusting the position of atleast one of the first bolster and the second bolster includes adjustinga respective inflation level of at least one of the first bolsterbladder and the second bolster bladder.
 14. The method of claim 10,wherein: the seat has a plurality of regions; the plurality of regionsare subjected to a respective localized pressure by the pressure appliedto the seat by said user; the sensor assembly includes a pressure sensorarray connected to the seat; and detecting the pressure applied to theseat includes detecting the respective localized pressures of theplurality of regions of the seat via the pressure sensor array.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, further comprising: generating, via the ECU, apressure distribution map of the respective localized pressures of theplurality of regions at a certain point in time; and detecting a peakpressure area in the pressure distribution map via comparing thedetected pressure to the pressure threshold.
 16. The method of claim 14,wherein: the pressure threshold includes a plurality of localizedpressure thresholds corresponding to a respective region of theplurality of regions; comparing the detected pressure to the pressurethreshold includes comparing the respective localized pressure of theplurality of regions to a respective localized pressure threshold of theplurality of localized pressure thresholds; and reducing the soft tissuestress includes reducing the respective localized pressure of at leastone of the plurality of regions in which the respective localizedpressure exceeds the respective localized pressure threshold.
 17. Themethod of claim 14, further comprising: obtaining information about saiduser via an occupant sensor of the sensor assembly; generating a modelfor at least one portion of a body of said user based on the obtainedinformation; and determining, via the ECU, an expected composition ofthe soft tissue associated with the plurality of regions of the seatbased on the model.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising theECU utilizing the model and the expected composition to identify one ormore capillaries of said user that are at least partially closed;wherein adjusting the seat via the seat actuator includes adjusting theseat to facilitate opening of the one or more capillaries.
 19. Themethod of claim 17, wherein the model includes information or datapertaining to bone, muscle, fat, and skin tissue of said user.
 20. Themethod of claim 17, wherein the pressure threshold includes a firstlocalized pressure threshold corresponding to a first region of theplurality of regions and a second localized pressure thresholdcorresponding to a second region of the plurality of regions; andfurther comprising: determining the first localized pressure thresholdbased on the expected composition of the soft tissue associated with thefirst region; and determining the second localized pressure thresholdbased on the expected composition of the soft tissue associated with thesecond region; wherein comparing the detected pressure to the pressurethreshold includes (i) comparing the respective localized pressure ofthe first region to the first localized pressure threshold, and (ii)comparing the respective localized pressure of the second region to thesecond localized pressure threshold.